Texas Flooding Kills One, Prompts Rescue of Over 70 People

Catastrophic flooding struck Texas on July 16, 2026, after days of heavy rain, killing at least one person and forcing the rescue of dozens from rising waters before sunrise. @NBCNews reported that Texas Game Wardens rescued more than 40 people, mostly in Uvalde County, while Governor Greg Abbott said more than 1,300 personnel had rescued well over 70 people overall.

The National Weather Service in San Antonio described a “large and deadly flood wave” moving down the Guadalupe River.

Ten to 20 inches of rain fell in the past two days, including 8 inches in just two hours early on July 16. Gauges showed the river rising more than 30 feet in hours at multiple points, including a 32-foot increase in four hours outside Kerrville. Uvalde police ordered mandatory evacuations by July 15.

Floodwaters overran the city overnight, cutting off access. Juli Alvarado, a spokesperson for Uvalde police, said rescues occurred overnight and officials planned helicopter flights after daybreak. Governor Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for dozens of counties.

Flood watches remained in effect for 57 counties affecting 6 million residents, some through Friday evening. The National Weather Service said floodwaters were expected to reach a crest similar to the July 4, 2025, flood. Several tornado warnings were also issued during the event.